What are Food Allergies? Understanding Causes and Symptoms

It can be scary to experience your first allergic reaction to food. What are food allergies exactly, and why do some people have them while others don’t? A food allergy is a specific type of immune response triggered by your body mistakenly identifying a certain food protein as harmful. Unlike food intolerance, which mainly involves the digestive system, a food allergy engages the immune system. This can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening consequences.

How Does a Food Allergy Happen?

Think of your immune system as your body’s security team, always on the lookout for invaders like viruses and bacteria. When a true food allergy occurs, the immune system gets a bit overzealous. It may mistake a harmless food protein, also known as a food allergen, for a dangerous intruder.

This triggers your body’s immune system to release immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. IgE antibodies are specifically programmed to recognize this “intruder.” The next time you encounter even a tiny bit of that food, those IgE antibodies set off alarms. They instruct your body to release chemicals like histamine. This leads to a cascade of allergy symptoms that can affect your skin, breathing, digestive system, and even your circulatory system.

NextCare Urgent Care can assist with the immediate management of mild-to-moderate allergic reactions. For severe symptoms or anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening, our team can stabilize the situation while referring you to emergency care for more comprehensive treatment.

Common Food Allergy Triggers

Although reactions can occur from any food, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says eight food allergy triggers account for about 90% of allergic reactions in the United States:

⊕ Milk

⊕ Eggs

⊕ Peanuts

⊕ Tree nuts

⊕ Fish

⊕ Shellfish

⊕ Wheat

⊕ Soy

Interestingly, it’s important to distinguish between a true food allergy and food intolerance. Milk, egg, wheat, and soy allergies can be outgrown by children. However, peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish allergies often continue throughout adulthood. It is unknown why some children outgrow their allergies, while others do not.

Factors Influencing How Long Food Allergy Symptoms Last

The length of time your food allergy symptoms linger depends on a variety of things. These factors interact in complex ways, making it difficult to predict the exact duration of your symptoms. Let’s take a look at some key elements:

Type and Amount of Allergen Consumed

The amount of food you eat containing the allergen directly influences the severity and length of your reaction. This is because a larger amount of the allergen triggers a stronger immune system response. Consuming a small amount of an allergen might only result in mild, quick symptoms.

However, consuming a larger amount could mean you experience intense symptoms for an extended period. Think of it like this: a small taste of something you’re allergic to might just cause a little itchiness, while a full serving could lead to more troublesome symptoms that last longer.

The Body’s Unique Immune Response

Every individual’s immune system is different, much like our fingerprints. How your body reacts to a specific food allergen determines how long you experience symptoms. Some people have a rapid and intense immune response, leading to immediate and severe symptoms, while others experience a slower, milder reaction.

This variation is influenced by several factors, including genetics, overall health, and previous exposure to the allergen. Understanding your own body’s typical reaction to specific foods is key to managing your allergies. Keep a record of your symptoms and their duration to identify patterns and potential triggers.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Pre-existing health problems can also play a role in how long food allergy symptoms last. For example, having other allergies, such as asthma, eczema, or hay fever, can prolong food allergic reaction symptoms or result in a more intense allergic response.

Additionally, conditions that compromise the immune system can make individuals more susceptible to severe or prolonged allergic reactions. Always inform your healthcare provider about any underlying medical conditions you have to receive tailored advice and treatment for your specific needs. This is particularly crucial when dealing with multiple allergies, as they can interact in unpredictable ways.

Common Food Allergy Symptoms and How Long They Last

Food allergy symptoms range from mild to severe, affecting multiple organ systems. While some symptoms are short-lived, others may linger for hours or even days. Familiarizing yourself with these symptoms and their typical duration can help you better manage your allergies and know when to seek medical attention. Let’s delve into the different ways food allergies can manifest:

Skin Reactions

Hives, also known as urticaria, or eczema, are common skin reactions. They present as itchy, raised welts or red, inflamed patches of skin. Typically, these skin reactions last for a few hours to a couple of days.

Itching from hives can be soothed with over-the-counter antihistamines or calamine lotion. However, eczema, which can be a symptom of a food allergy, may require topical corticosteroids for relief from itch and inflammation. If you find yourself experiencing persistent or worsening skin reactions after eating certain foods, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps are common digestive system-related allergy symptoms. These uncomfortable symptoms often manifest after consuming a trigger food and can vary in intensity. Usually, these gastrointestinal issues fade away within a few hours to a day.

However, it is important to stay well-hydrated during this time to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. If you have any concerns about the severity of your symptoms or if they persist beyond a day, reach out to your doctor for guidance.

Respiratory System Symptoms

Another way your body might be telling you it’s having a reaction oral allergy syndrome is if you experience symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, wheezing, a hoarse voice, or coughing. These occur as your body releases histamines and other chemicals in response to an allergen.

Like those pesky cold or flu symptoms, you can expect these allergy symptoms to linger anywhere from a few hours to several days. Over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or decongestants can provide relief. However, if your symptoms are severe or persistent, consult a doctor to rule out other respiratory conditions.

For any persistent symptoms, NextCare Urgent Care provides fast relief through medications like antihistamines and steroids. If needed, our urgent care team can administer epinephrine for severe reactions and help manage breathing difficulties associated with allergies.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Some individuals can experience a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. This severe reaction is a medical emergency that demands immediate attention. It often begins rapidly, with symptoms worsening quickly. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, so those with severe allergies should take extra care. Some symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

⊕ Constricted and tightening airways, making breathing challenging

⊕ Swelling of the throat causing a choking sensation

⊕ Severe drop in blood pressure leading to shock

⊕ Rapid heartbeat and pulse

⊕ Loss of consciousness and dizziness

Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (like EpiPen or ALLERJECT) and wearing a medical alert bracelet are essential precautions for those who have a known food allergy. A medical alert bracelet acts as an identifier to ensure immediate attention if you are unable to communicate during an allergic reaction. This will help care providers know to administer an EpiPen if needed.

Factors that Make Food Allergies More Likely

Who gets food allergies? Why me or my child? There are many reasons a person could be experiencing food allergies. Though the exact cause remains a mystery, certain risk factors make people more susceptible. Here’s what research indicates:

⊕ Family History: Family history plays a significant role. You’re more prone if you have a family member with conditions like asthma, eczema, hives, or hay fever. Having a parent with a food allergy makes you more likely to also experience food allergies.

⊕ Age: While anyone can develop allergies, they’re most prevalent in young children because their immune systems are still developing. This is why early introduction of common food allergens like peanuts is recommended by healthcare providers.

⊕ Other Allergies: People with pre-existing allergies like eczema or hay fever are statistically more likely to have food allergies. These can include environmental allergies such as pollen food, as well.

⊕ Asthma: The combination of asthma and food allergies often leads to more severe symptoms, which is why it’s particularly important for those with asthma to identify and manage any potential food allergies.

To reduce the risks associated with these potential reactions, an allergist can conduct allergy testing. This includes skin prick tests or blood tests to isolate food-specific antibodies. Positive tests will confirm what’s causing your discomfort. Your care provider may ask you about your symptoms experienced and your medical history, to determine what the suspect food might be.

Can Food Allergies be Prevented?

Currently, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent food allergies. However, recent research has shown promise in reducing the likelihood of allergies developing in children. For example, one study by the LEAP study suggests that introducing high-risk infants (those with existing conditions like eczema) to peanuts early (around 4-6 months) actually lowered their chances of developing a peanut allergy by age 5.

This finding challenges earlier recommendations to delay introducing allergenic foods. Before 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics didn’t think there was evidence to support this claim. However, their research and subsequent clinical trials led them to change their guidelines. The current recommendation is to consult your child’s doctor to determine the right time to introduce peanut products for your infant. You can then discuss when to introduce other solid foods, as well.

Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for food allergies. This is why it’s crucial to avoid foods you know you react to, even in small amounts. Even if you have mild symptoms, it’s crucial to be cautious because these reactions can worsen unexpectedly with increased exposure.

Living with Food Allergies

If you do have a food allergy, navigating everyday life requires extra attention and preparation. Here are some essential tips to live a full and enjoyable life:

Become a Label Detective:

Being diagnosed with a food allergy can feel like you have to give up a lot of foods you once enjoyed. Fortunately, in the United States, the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires that all food manufacturers must clearly list major food allergens in plain language on their food labels. Effective January 1, 2023, sesame was added as the 9th major food allergen.

Make sure to always read the ingredient statement and look for hidden allergens in seemingly safe foods. Be on the lookout for warnings about potential cross-contamination (like “processed in a facility that also handles…”).

Communicate Effectively:

Let those who handle your food know your allergies. This means waiters, chefs, family, and friends hosting meals. Eating out can be tricky, especially since many restaurants are not free from the major food allergens. Consider using a chef card, a concise card listing your allergies and what to avoid.

Talk to your server and be confident in making your needs known—restaurant staff wants you to have a good experience. The same is true for managing food allergies at college.

Prevent Cross-Contamination:

Whether preparing food at home or dining out, make sure surfaces, utensils, and cooking equipment haven’t come into contact with your allergen. Avoiding cross-contamination helps make life more comfortable when you know exactly how to prevent cross-contact. Remember, when managing food allergies, you’re in control.

Emergency Preparedness is Key:

This one is particularly important for those at risk of anaphylaxis. Always keep two epinephrine auto-injectors readily available. These should be accessible both at home and while out. Review expiration dates, refresh supplies regularly, and make sure those around you (family, caregivers, school staff) understand how to administer epinephrine should a severe allergic reaction occur.

Living with food allergies can mean changes, but understanding the whys and hows helps reduce fears and opens doors for you to continue enjoying the food experiences that matter most.

Conclusion

Understanding food allergies is the first step toward managing them effectively. By recognizing symptoms and triggers, you can take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe. If you or your child experience a food allergy reaction, NextCare Urgent Care is here to provide immediate medical attention and support.